Moolakar Human-Induced Regeneration Project

The Moolakar Human-Induced Regeneration Project is a regeneration initiative located at Moolakar Station, situated near the village of Wanaaring and approximately 180 kilometers west of Bourke in New South Wales. Registered in June 2015, the project covers a substantial area of 43,777 hectares. The region is part of the Mulga Lands bioregion, an area traditionally utilised for sheep and cattle grazing, but often challenged by degradation from feral goats.

This project operates under the Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) methodology. HIR projects generate carbon credits by allowing native forests to regenerate on land where vegetation growth has been suppressed for at least 10 years, typically by livestock or feral animals. The project does not involve planting; instead, it relies on managing the timing and extent of grazing and humanely controlling feral animals to allow existing rootstock and seeds to regenerate into a permanent native forest.

The environment in this region is classified as semi-arid, characterized by low and variable rainfall. The landscape features semi-open flood country fed by the Paroo, Cuttaburra, and Kulkyne channels, creating a mix of box swamps, floodplains, and sandy loam soils. Vegetation is dominated by species such as Mulga (Acacia aneura), Gidgee, and Black Box (Eucalyptus largiflorens), which are well-adapted to the harsh conditions.

The project is owned by the Rosser family and was developed in partnership with GreenCollar (through its subsidiary Terra Carbon Pty Limited). The carbon revenue from this project has been credited with providing the landholders financial stability during severe droughts, allowing them to de-stock early to protect ground cover and invest in infrastructure upgrades. The regeneration efforts also serve to protect biodiverse riparian zones, which function as critical wildlife refuges during dry periods.